Q for the Brits on this Forum

[Windshield Guy]

Hi ..Just wanted to know what the state of the autoglass industry is in the UK? Salary for replacers or what business is like for the owners? Is there much volume in the London area or do the majority of ppl go for the big companies? Thanks for your input.

[Glasseye]

Insurance companies, to a large extent, control the replacement market. The 2 biggest replacement companies are Autoglass(Belron) & RAC Autowindscreens with Autoglass having the biggest market share (circa. 33% - 38%). They average 20-22,000 jobs per week.
Wages vary nationally but I would estimate £16K - £19K would be an average figure, but there are bonus payments for jobs done per week which boost some fitters into the supertax bracket ( i.e. £40K+ salary!!)
Smaller operations are still abundant as the trade market is still healthy. The larger companies focus mainly on the comprehensive insurance market.
The London area, as you might have guessed, is a hot area with a highly concentrated car population. The problem in this area, for the glass companies is getting the staff & keeping them. With house prices and cost of living peaking in this area, wages have to be good to attract the right kind of ppl.

[screenman]

I would like to add that RAC autowindscreens is owned by the company which also owns Norwich Union who insure about 1 in 7 of the drivers in the UK.
We have found from people we have trained that the London area is not as busy per car as outside the area, could be due to slower speeds and less mileage.
But who cares I am still having a great time, really good living on about 28 hours per week.

[Windshield Guy]

House prices and rental are insane! 159k pounds for a 2 bd apt ! And 250 pds for a decent 3 bed home in Essex... Are you with the RAC screenman?..can you seriously make 40k in the UK ..how?! Unless you have your own business of course I would think you can.. if you are with like a big company is it by a piece basis and then a basic salary ..is it a mobile set up or an in-shop kinda thing? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks for your feedback.

Originally Posted by screenman

I would like to add that RAC autowindscreens is owned by the company which also owns Norwich Union who insure about 1 in 7 of the drivers in the UK.
We have found from people we have trained that the London area is not as busy per car as outside the area, could be due to slower speeds and less mileage.
But who cares I am still having a great time, really good living on about 28 hours per week.

[screenman]

My own business, I have been in this game for over 18 years and £40,000 is net not gross. It is very easy once you put down the groundwork.

It is all about sales and keeping a large cutomer base.

[Glasseye]

Most companies focus on mobile, Autoglass & RAC targeting 90% min. figure. The wages are in basic plus bonus per job format. The fitters achieving high earnings are a) very skilled & organised ( rectification is penalised ) and b) very hard working (14 hour days is not unusual). The companies recommended by insurance companies have to hit target figures on repair, or face rebate penalties.

[Windshield Guy]

I think its cause everyone uses the tube in London, hence not so much car usage except for the locals... so its a basic + per job on top of that ... I noted Glasseye that you said that rectification is penalised .. so if there's an air leak the +money on top of the basic is reduced?? How much experience is required to secure a job or do you need an NVQ? Again thanks for your feedback ..

[Glasseye]

An NVQ would be an advantage but not essential, experience is taken into consideration and the larger companies do have training and assessment centres. Like most companies, in the service industry, they look for honest, hardworking staff who will work well within a team and have good customer skills. I think at the moment RAC are on the up curve so job opportunities may be better there.

[Windshield Guy]

Thanks for the feedback. Are there any laws or licences required in the UK to start a mobile set up or even to start as a technician? What is the general culture there... ppl more in favour of the big companies or ppl still out there going to the mobile set up for a cheaper alternative? Whats the cost of the glass for say a Civic 2001 and what would you charge for the replacement of it? You can email me if you so wish. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Glasseye

An NVQ would be an advantage but not essential, experience is taken into consideration and the larger companies do have training and assessment centres. Like most companies, in the service industry, they look for honest, hardworking staff who will work well within a team and have good customer skills. I think at the moment RAC are on the up curve so job opportunities may be better there.